As the Fiestas Patrias of 2024 approach, a long-awaited tradition was celebrated in Santiago: the election of the best empanada in the capital. This prestigious competition, organized by the Circle of Gastronomic and Wine Writers, brought together prominent experts to evaluate over 50 baked pine empanadas from various communes in the city. Through rigorous blind tastings, the aim was to identify the empanada that best embodied the traditional flavors of Chile.
This year, the best empanada in Santiago was declared to be from the local Don Guille, located in downtown Santiago. The evaluation praised not only the quality of its dough and filling but also the balance of flavors and authenticity. Don Guille, at Gorbea 2554, claimed first place, surpassing many well-known empanadas and solidifying its status as one of the gastronomic benchmarks in the Chilean capital.
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What is the best empanada in Santiago in 2024 | Source: iStock
The competition’s podium also featured two other outstanding establishments. Second place was awarded to La Temucana, situated at Av. Quebrada de Macul 7191, while Rosalía in Lo Barnechea took third place, recognized for the quality of its ingredients and meticulous preparation. These establishments have successfully offered empanadas that are not only delicious but have also played a vital role in preserving Chilean culinary traditions with a unique touch.
What is the best empanada in Santiago in 2024 | Source: iStock
In addition to the main winners, the Selecta Award for the best price-quality ratio was presented to Amasandería Delicias Vasco in La Florida. This recognition is significant for those wanting to enjoy a delicious empanada without spending too much. Delicias Vasco empanadas have been lauded for delivering a high-quality product at an affordable price, making them a favored choice during national celebrations.
The selection of the best empanada was taken seriously. The judges employed a scoring system from 1 to 7 to assess criteria such as ingredient quality in both the dough and filling, in addition to the overall presentation. Jaime Pilowsky, General Manager of the Regional Development and Tourism Corporation of Santiago, emphasized the importance of this competition as a means of preserving and celebrating Chilean traditions.
Best Empanada in Santiago: 2024 Results
In the run-up to the Fiestas Patrias of 2024, a long-awaited tradition was celebrated in Santiago: the election of the best empanada from the capital. This prestigious competition, organized by the Circle of Gastronomic and Wine Writers, brought together the most prominent experts to evaluate more than 50 baked pine empanadas from different communes of the city. With rigorous blind tastings, the objective was to find the empanada that best represented the traditional flavors of Chile.
Winner of the Best Empanada 2024: Don Guille
This year, the best empanada in Santiago was the one from the local Don Guille, located in downtown Santiago. The evaluation highlighted not only the quality of its dough and pine, but also the balance of flavors and its authenticity. Don Guille, at Gorbea 2554, took first place, beating other highly renowned empanadas and consolidating its position as one of the gastronomic references in the Chilean capital.
Top 3 Empanadas in Santiago 2024
| Rank | Establishment | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don Guille | Gorbea 2554, Santiago | Best overall empanada, highlighted for quality and authenticity |
| 2 | La Temucana | Av. Quebrada de Macul 7191 | Known for its unique flavor profile and traditional preparation |
| 3 | Rosalía | Lo Barnechea | Renowned for high-quality ingredients and expert preparation |
Special Recognitions
In addition to the main winners, the Selecta Award for the best price-quality ratio was given to Amasandería Delicias Vasco, in La Florida. This recognition is key for those looking to enjoy a delicious empanada without breaking the bank. Delicias Vasco empanadas have been praised for offering a high-quality product at an affordable price, making them a very popular choice during national celebrations.
Judging Criteria for the Best Empanada
Choosing the best empanada was no small feat. The judges of the competition used a scale of 1 to 7 to evaluate various criteria, including:
- Quality of dough
- Filling (pine) quality
- Balance of flavors
- Overall presentation
- Authenticity to traditional recipes
Importance of Preserving Culinary Traditions
Jaime Pilowsky, General Manager of the Regional Development and Tourism Corporation of Santiago, highlighted the importance of this contest as a way to preserve and celebrate Chilean traditions. The empanada is more than just a dish; it represents a significant aspect of Chilean culture. Celebrating the best of this culinary staple helps promote the art and heritage behind it.
Delicious Empanada Variations to Explore
While the competition focused on the traditional baked pine empanada, there’s a rich diversity of empanada styles worth exploring:
- Fried Empanadas: Often filled with seafood or spicy meats.
- Sweet Empanadas: Filled with fruits or sweetened cheeses for dessert.
- Vegetarian Empanadas: Filled with seasonal vegetables and spices to cater to various diets.
Tips for Finding the Best Empanadas in Santiago
- Ask Locals: Get recommendations from residents for hidden gems.
- Visit During Fiestas Patrias: Many establishments offer special empanada recipes during this festive period.
- Search Online:** Explore reviews and ratings for different empanada shops.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings beyond the traditional pine.
Final Thoughts on Santiago’s Empanadas
With its thriving gastronomic scene, Santiago continues to celebrate its culinary heritage, particularly the beloved empanada. The 2024 competition not only recognized the finest establishments but also encouraged locals and visitors alike to indulge in one of Chile’s most iconic dishes. Whether you choose the winning empanada from Don Guille or explore other gastronomic treasures, one thing is certain: each bite will be a flavorful homage to Chilean culture.
